Major netbook manufacturers including Acer and Asus will be forced to delay their new netbooks until 2010 after Intel announced that they will be delaying the launch of the next generation of the Atom processor.

A next-generation Atom processor for netbooks – codenamed ‘Pine Trail’ – is expected to launch during Q4 of this year – a timeframe later narrowed down to October, following recently leaked information from an Asia-based mole.

But industry sources have since told Digitimes that Pine Trail-M – Intel’s mobile variant of the CPU – now won’t appear until Q1 of 2010.

The net result is that neither Asustek nor Acer will launch any new netbooks during the second half of 2009, the sources added. Both firms will instead be forced to focus their efforts of ultra-thin notebooks.

Details are still hazy about exactly which netbooks are facing delays, but Intel’s decision could reportedly impact the arrival of an Android notebook from Acer. The launch of a dual-OS notebook – also from Acer – could be impacted, too, the sources added.

So if you were holding off to buy a new netbook model, you may want to re-consider. There are still a number of ‘newish’ netbooks on the market to keep you happy, so we recommend taking the plunge now. One of our current favorites is the Toshiba NB200, which has looks to die for.

via: reghardware

If you want to increase your screen space for surfing the web, we have a few simple tips that will help you to see more of the web in your internet browser.

1. Toolbar Shrinking

Consider an add-on that shrinks the amount of space a program’s toolbar takes up. Firefox, for example, has at least two toolbar-squishing add-ons available: Littlefox (snipurl.com/hkshp) and Classic Compact (snipurl.com/hksj5). Both will reduce the size of your toolbar.

2. Full Screen Mode

If you find that videos and images are too big for the browser window. This one is easily dealt with by pressing the F11 button on your keyboard which takes your browser into full screen mode – your toolbar and taskbar will be hidden. Just hit F11 – Try it now!

3. Zoom Out

It’s relatively uncommon to find a website that’s optimised for a screen resolution wider than 1024 pixels, but when it happens it can make life a real pain. Not only do you have to scroll horizontally to see the whole page, but that extra scroll bar takes up another chunk of valuable vertical screen real estate. Fortunately, Firefox’s Zoom function allows you to deal with sites like this quickly and painlessly.

Hitting Control and – (minus key) decreases the size of the page, while Control and + (plus key) increases it. Control and 0 (zero key) resets to the original size. By default, the behavior will scale all elements of the page, and doesn’t seem to break any layouts, so it’s just like zooming in or out while viewing a digital photograph.

SmartEdge Leather style case for netbooks provide the ultimate all round protection for your netbook. These are designed to allow you to use your netbook while still inside the case, which is ideal if you need to use it quickly.

Made from genuine fine leather these folio cases are tailored to fit your device perfectly protecting your netbook from damage at all times, so its great when your on the train or travelling.

Features
* High quality soft natural leather (unlike other cheaper vinyl cases)
* Custom design allows easy access to the device connections, buttons, keypad, touchpad and display
* Magnetic fastening allows you to quickly and easily open and close the case
* Hand stitched finish

GearZap now stock a range of SmartEdge cases to fit a variety of netbooks including: Samsung NC10, Dell Mini 10, Dell Mini 12, Asus Eee PC S101, Asus Eee PC 901, Acer Aspire One A150/A110, Lenovo S10/S10e and HP Mini Series. Click here to buy one.

You can now get the Virgin Media Freedom netbook for free by taking out their £20 broadband package or above. Although there are now a range of Free laptop deals available, we think this one is one of the best deals around, especially considering the broadband package is already competitively priced.

As for the netbook itself, its spec is very similar to many other netbooks (see below). The design looks nice and seems to be available in your choice of black or red.

This could be a real winner if you decide to use Virgin Media’s broadband service. Click here for more details.

Virgin Media Freedom Specs

* Intel® Atom™ Processor, 1.60 GHz
* 1GB DDR2 533 MHz
* 120GB SATA Hard Drive
* Wireless LAN 802.11 b/g/n
* Built in 0.3 megapixel webcam
* 2 hours 30 mins standard use battery life
* 10.2″ TFT LCD Backlight
* Dimensions 265x182x26mm
* Weight 1.1 kg

We are very pleased to announce a new line of netbook cases from U.S company CaseCrown. These ultra light and thin cases are made using premium shock-absorbing double memory foam, providing excellent protection from knocks and bumps to your netbook.

Available in a range of colours and designs for 10″ netbooks, we are sure there is something to suit most tastes. However, if these arn’t your style you can view our entire range of netbook cases and netbook bags in our shop.

The Dell Mini 10 and Dell Mini 10v are well regarded as one of the best netbooks of 2009. With such stylish looks, a well thought out design, combined with a decent price point – theres no wonder why it’s so popular.

There are a wide range of netbook accessories on the market, but which one will be right for you and which one should you go for? To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the best accessories for the Dell Mini 10.

1. ZeroShock III Netbook Case – Black

The first thing you’ll need for your Dell Mini 10 will probably be something to protect it from knocks, bumps and scratches when you carry it around. With so many netbook cases available now, it can be difficult to choose the best one. However, we can highly recommend this sleeve type case from Japanese company Elecom. It’s called the ZeroShock III and offers unrivaled protection for your netbook. The inside of the case is lined with low rebound polyurethane (slow depression, slow return). Combined with its wave-shaped design, this material offers the ultimate light weight shock protection. It also has the added bonus of a front pocket, ideal for storing smaller accessories.

2. Logitech V450 Nano Cordless Laser Mouse

Lets face it netbook track pads are tricky to use at the best of times, so the next accessory most people look for is an ultra-portable mouse. The v450 Nano Cordless Laser Mouse from Logitech is very highly rated for many reasons – the tiny USB nano-dongle, a massive 12 month battery life and a small yet ergonomic design. It also works on virtually any surface, so you won’t need to carry a mouse mat.

3. Vodafone TopUp and Go Broadband Dongle – USB Modem Stick

One of the biggest benefits of netbooks is their portability, you can take advantage of this with a mobile broadband dongle, capable of instant internet access wherever you need it. One of the best deals at the moment is the Vodafone TopUp and Go tariff, which offers pay as you go internet access with no contract. Best of all, this is currently the only pay and go tariff with no 30 day expiry on your credit.

With download speeds of up to 3.6Mbps, it’s faster than 3G. Your USB Modem even comes pre-loaded with 1GB of data – that’s 30 hours surfing, 650 emails and dozens of downloads. And when your credit runs out, simply top up to enjoy more of the same – fast, reliable broadband that covers 80% of the UK.

No contract. No monthly bill. No fuss. Get this cracking deal now for just £39 – then top up whenever it suits you.

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4. 2 GB Memory Upgrade for Dell Mini 10v

This upgrade will only work with the Dell Mini 10v as the Mini 10 has an unusual memory board which cannot be removed. If you own the former, then this upgrade is a must! Upgrading the memory (aka RAM) will significantly increase the speed of your netbook, allowing you to work faster. The Dell Mini 10v is not as easy to upgrade as many other netbooks, but fear not as there is an easy to follow video tutorial for you here. Prices of memory are currently so cheap, that you can’t really afford not to upgrade. Click here to buy high quality Crucial memory for Dell Mini 10v.

5. External DVD-RW Drive

Netbook manufacturers typically forego DVD drives in order to reduce their size and keep the price low. If you want to install software, watch movies or rip CD’s then you should buy an ultra-portable external CD/DVD drive. They’re essential when it comes to installing or re-installing Microsoft Windows on your netbook, particularly if you bought the Dell Mini 10v with Linux. We recommend the USB External DVD-RW Drive as an excellent high quality solution at a very good price.

6. XMI X-mini II Ultra Portable Speaker

If you want to listen to music or watch video on your DelMini 10, you will probably want to invest in some better speakers as the integrated ones are pretty weak. The X-mini II is an ultra-portable speaker with some unique features. The 40mm driver projects richer, bass filled sounds resulting in a superior end-user experience. Be it for individual or group entertainment, the X-mini II us the perfect audio enhancement for your netbook. Not only does the new design deliver unsurpassed audio quality, it now performs even longer. Three times the capacity of its predecessor, the new X-mini II comes with a new built-in high capacity USB rechargeable battery capable of sustained output for 11 hours of nonstop audio pleasure. You can get yours here.

7. Gelaskins for 10″ Netbooks

If you want to personalise your Dell Mini 10/10v, there’s nothing better than Gelaskins. These are removable covers for protecting and customizing your Netbook. They feature stunning, photo-quality graphics ranging from fine art prints to contemporary urban images designed by artists from around the globe.

8. Belkin Messenger Bag

If you need room to store your power adapter and accessories, then a netbook sleeve may not be for you. FortunetlyBelkin’s Messenger Bag brings you the comfort of a lightweight case with the features and capacity of a much larger one. This case provides a plush Netbook compartment for secure mobility. It also has additional compartments to store a power adapter and accessories. Click here to buy one.

9. Belkin USB Hub

The Dell Mini 10 has just 3 USB ports, so if you use a lot of USB accessories, the Belkin USB Hub is an essential. It’s speacially designed for travelling, with a clever design that allows you to wind the cable around the hub when not in use.

10. Ultra-Small USB Flash Drive – 8GB

Last but not least if you use more than one computer then you’ll need an easy way to transfer files to and from your netbook and backup your most precious files. This is one of the smallest USB flash drives around and comes with a whopping 8GB of storage. The best thing about these is that you can just pop them in your netbook and forget about it, unlike other flash drives which protrude from your netbook and could easily snap off.

This isn’t the full range of accessories, just a selection of the ones that we think do the best job of enhancing your netbook. If you’ve not seen the accessory that’s right for you, then why not browse our shop at gearzap.com. If you have any more suggestions or comments to add to our Dell Mini 10 list, please feel free to share them with us.

These funky new netbook skins (or netbook stickers) are ideal for personalising your netbook and making it stand out from the crowd. They also help to protect your netbook lid from light scratches. They’re made of top quality adhesive vinyl material made by the clever people at 3M (who make post it notes). Each skin is cut to fit a variety of 10″ netbooks, including the Samsung NC10, Asus Eee PC 1000HE, Dell Mini 10 and many more. Gearzap have just launched a range of 15 designs here.

Do you love your netbook but wish it had more varied storage options, like an optical drive and another hard disk? Well you’re in luck because NU has the perfect solution. The universal docking station has an integrated Super-Multi DVD writer and a removable enclosure for 2.5-inch hard disks, along with a two-port USB 2.0 hub and an integrated fan.

Affordable, ultra compact and light weight, this is possibly the hottest netbook product around. NU’s Docking station is built for more convenient usage and maximum performance of your netbook. It’s compatible with all brand names of 10” or smaller Netbooks, providing built-in USB Hub for easy expansion, Slim ODD for burning DVD/CD, on/off Switchable Fan for cooling the netbook, and an easy slide in/out Portable HDD Enclosure for extra storage. Everything you need for your netbook is right here, all in one! Click here to buy one at GearZap.com

The Asus Eee PC 1000HE is one of the best selling netbooks of 2009. If you own or are planning to buy an Asus Eee PC 1000HE, we have put together a list of the essential accessories for you to make the most of it.

1. Cool Bananas Folio Case for Eee PC 1000HE

Made from leather and finished with black stitching, this folio style case has been designed specifically for the Asus Eee PC 1000HE. Cutaways give full access to the controls and connections of your netbook, so your netbook will be protected even while in use. Click here to buy one.

2. Netbook Cases and Bags

If you prefer the traditional type of netbook case, Gearzap has a huge selection to fit your Asus Eee PC 1000HE. Click here to see all bags.

3. Asus Eee PC Car Charger

The Asus Eee PC 1000HE Car Charger will allow you to keep your netbook fully charged before you reach your next destination.

4. Asus Eee PC 1000HE Memory Upgrade

Why not upgrade your netbook with a 2GB memory module. This is the best and cheapest way to increase the speed of your Asus Eee PC 1000HE. Gearzap stocks Crucial memory – the highest quality memory available.

5. Asus Eee PC 1000HE Screen Protector

Netbook screens can easily get scratched and this can cause a great deal of irritation when you look at the screen. Foretunetly, GearZap have a range of screen protectors designed specifically for the Eee PC 1000HE. You can buy one here.

6. Mice for your Netbook

One of the biggest issues most people have with netbooks are their tiny trackpads. This can easily be solved with an ultra-portable mouse. Newer mice have wireless nano-dongles or bluetooth connectivity which are ideal for netbooks.

You can view many more accessories for your Asus Eee PC 1000HE at GearZap.

GearZap have just launched a new inflatable netbook bag from Sushi. The bag is designed for ladies and will certainly make a fashion statement. It’s one of the most unique bags around, so you’ll certainly generate some attention. Besides its quirky looks, its also very functional. The inflatable sides of the case will protect your netbook from bumps and knocks. It also comes with handles and a shoulder strap for easily carrying around town. Available in blue and red.